A detailed look at the game of Dungeons & Dragons and all things related

Friday, October 3, 2014

Class Showcase: Barbarians

Ever wondered what some of the characters you see in
movies, television, anime, and popular culture would be classed as? Well each
week for the next ten weeks I will be looking at one particular class and three
of the best non-D&D examples of the men and women that exemplify what it
means to be that class. This week it’s time for the Barbarians!

#3 Khal Drogo

In the early going of A
Game of Thrones, Khal Drogo is not only one of the fiercest men in the
eastern lands but he is also backed up by one of the largest armies in the
whole world of Westeros. It is also no small thing to mention that in Dothraki
culture a man’s hair is cut off whenever he loses in combat and Khal Drogo’s
hair has never been cut. He is perhaps the best example of a barbarian in the A Song of Ice and Fire series with
honorable mention to Ygritte.

#2 Xena

Debatably, Xena is the most popular female barbarian of
all time. Although I’m sure that some of you may be thinking, “Um hello! Red
Sonia?!”, I assure you that Xena is much more popular by far. Her exploits
during a six-season run from 1995-2001 are still fueled by a huge cult
following and that’s saying something since her character was originally slated
for just a three episode run on Hercules.
And why not? She has excellent fighting skills, a deep sense of honor and
loyalty, a flaring temper, and (let’s face it) she looks amazing! The show also
catered shamelessly to its core audience, both male and female teens. And guess
what? Those teens are now in their thirties! (I smell a remake.)

#1 Conan

Alright, I’ll admit this was an easy one. But can anyone
really deny the fact that Conan is not only a barbarian but THE Barbarian? The
bulging physique, the massive two-handed sword, the corny dialog, punching out
camels, the list goes on and on. And, for those players both growing up in and
playing D&D in the 80’s, there were few other popular figures one would
want to emulate more than Conan, especially when it came time to kick some
butt.

Watch the whole run of Xena and she is more than just a barbarian. If she was statted out in D&D she would be a multi-classed Fighter/Barbarian/Monk/Druid. She changed classes repeatedly as she went through different stages of life and travelled to different parts of the world...